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Synopsis

This work aims to analyse the thoughts of H.T. Engelhardt on some of the central themes of contemporary bioethical debate. The area in question includes the observation of the de facto existence of a highly plural society, i.e. one that is characterized from a moral point of view by an intrinsic pluralism. Central to this context is the concept of the person, which, contrary to any broad consensus on how this should be understood, requires extensive reflection to provide an appropriate definition. To speak of the "human person" also means necessarily addressing the rational capacity that characterises them, which is then strongly questioned from a theoretical point of view by the postmodern context of the plural society and Engelhardt himself. The importance of offering an adequate semanticization of the concept of the person is apparent when it becomes clear that this represents the key to addressing problems arising from a bioethical point of view. The main aim of this research will therefore be to understand (starting from an analysis of Engelhardt's thought, which provides much food for thought to this end) whether there is still room within contemporary debate for the use of the concept of the person which is capable of guaranteeing their protection in a well-founded manner, i.e. by leveraging capacity of reason to identify a non-arbitrary hierarchy of goods in a substantial way. This forms part of an overview of the fundamental features of the contemporary context, which is characterised by a crisis that affects each sector, cultural and otherwise, so undermining any possibility of achieving any degree of certainty.

• Fiction contemporaine